Natural decay series

A natural decay series describes the process by which certain radioactive elements spontaneously break down into more stable forms over time. This occurs because unstable atoms emit particles or energy, transforming into different elements or isotopes until reaching a stable end point. The series follows a predictable pattern, with each step called a "decay," characterized by a specific half-life—the time it takes for half of the atoms to decay. Understanding these series helps in fields like radiometric dating, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety, providing insights into the age of materials and the behavior of radioactive substances.